You have some top notch equipment. As for the SSSsssssss's, I don't know if I'm spelling it correctly, but it's called silibance. I don't usually suscribe to the "add equipment to modify the sound" theory like you want to. IMO more equipment in the signal path cannot help things since they introduce an extra area for noise and/or signal degradition. Its funny though, I used to use a Nakamichi CA-101 pre-amp in our old Integra system, but that was because there was no other way to switch imputs back then.



That system used silk dome tweeters for exactly the reason you mention. Some people (myself included) don't like to hear that much "sizzle" up top. The rest of the setup (remember it's circa 1994) Is here on my Blog page

 

The correct term is actually "Tubeofiliones"

 

I think a high end head unit such as the Clarion DRZ9255 would warm up the sound
more than the Soundstream preamp. There is a Nakamichi head unit that is similar,
but it is a single CD. Whereas the Clarion is a 6CD. Those head units are designed
for superb sonics, so they have less "bling" features.

 

it is called simbilance. i would love to listen to your setup sometime, i live in the los angeles area as well and i can help you tune it.

most simbilance is located around the 2.5-8khz region. most often primarily in the 3-4khz range.

 

We're both wrong...

Sibilance

 

Yessssss, my precccciooussss. I ssssstand corrected. It is sibilance.

 

Thanks, guys. I could not remember that word for the life of me when I was writing that post.

SebringDemon, you're welcome to hear my setup anytime I'm free. I live next to the Grove. Shoot me a PM.

zener_diode, the head unit I have is arguably the cleanest sound ever made for an automobile. The signal to noise ratio is beyond accurate measurement (above 115db), there is no internal amplifier to add noise (you must use external amps) and it has 5V balanced preouts. The sole purpose of the headunit is to provide the cleanest possible sound in a wide variety of vehicles (it has a 25-band parametric EQ). It has no bells or whistles that do not enhance sound. It is a truly superb headunit -- btw, if anyone's interested in it there are still a few NIB units for sale on the web for $299.99 (half of what I paid in 2003).

The sibilance is unquestionably created by the QSD 216's tweeters. They are titanium, insanely accurate, and sometimes too bright.

After reading everyone's responses (thanks, all!) it's clear that I should first adjust the paramteric EQ on the headunit on some tracks with heavy sibilance and see if that doesn't fix it. Coloring the sound and losing resolution to more cabling and lesser equipment (in terms of S/N ratio) is not ideal. After all, the system sounds incredible as-is -- I'm just trying to fine-tune-out some harsh noise on certain recordings.

* * *

New question:

When I adjust the EQ, what's the best way to do it? I assume I'd change the highest frequency setting, but then do I want a wide or sharp curve (Q)? I'm not clear on what the effects of either would have on the overall sound (although, I can always experiment).

 

I should also mention that the system is well tuned. DJWeaver paid $300 to a master SQ judge to tune the same headunit in an S2000. I've reduced the highest highs a bit but maybe I'll have to go a bit further. Without tuning the SQ was terrible. It's amazing how bad great equipment can sound in an S2000 top down with default, or even simple EQ, tuning. With the parametric settings from DJWeaver I have almost no rattles at any frequency or volume that I can hear while driving, and that's without adding any dynamat aside from the doors.

 

I"ve only heard the terms "tube" and "amp" (in the same sentence) referring to a guitar amp.

 

^ The product is a pre-amp. It goes between the headunit and external amplifier.